Accursed

by Patrick F. Johnson

  “Larry, that was very well said. My name is Frank.” Opening the cells and allowing the confused aliens to enter the corridor, Frank spoke, “I know you're cold and probably hungry. This Gote here is a confirmed enemy if you want to have a little snack before we leave.” He gestured to where the soldier was starting to regain consciousness.

  “Thank you,” Larry said as he lunged downward, leading with his teeth. Frank turned his back and began to pick at his fingernails as the reptiles began devouring the Gote soldier.

  3.

  “So what is your impression of the Monster?” Ondex asked Jard as Caja's ship lifted from the terrace.

  “I like him,” Jard replied, “but know that he doesn't like that title.”

  “I certainly wish to stay on his good side. How should I address him?”

  “Just call him Frank.” Jard was fiddling with the key device. “They put my ship inside that hangar there.” He pointed toward a large building at the far end of the airfield. “Could you please drop me on the roof?”

  “Certainly, Jard,” Ondex replied. “Just so you know, I sent word to my pilot. He is delivering the codes to double your payment as I have promised. I will be riding home with my daughter.”

  “It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Your Highness.” The ramp dropped and Jard disappeared.

  Ondex turned to his daughter. She was watching as Gotian gunships were being torpedoed off in the distance. “Caja, are you alright?”

  “I have been a fool, Father.” She turned away from the window to regard the king. “I thought my mere presence would be enough to make them stop. But they are too far gone.”

  “Greed is a powerful tool for the wicked,” Ondex replied. “Korick was a master of manipulation. The soldiers fear losing the lifestyle he has granted them.”

  “And now the human is fighting our civil war for us as we cower away.”

  Ondex turned to where Raymond was sitting with Moldew. “Raymond, why is it, in your estimation, that Frank chooses to fight?”

  Raymond chose his words carefully. “Frank is... unusual. His official title is the Custodian of Earth. While he seems like a pretty casual man, he takes his job seriously. As long as these Gotes, of Vera, keep doing what they have been doing, they are a threat to Earth. He is simply eliminating that threat. I don't think he cares either way about a civil war.”

  * * *

  “Gladys?” Frank called out as he peered through the stairwell door that opened near to the main gaming room.

  The remote came to life in his hand. He released it so it could hover in front of him. “Yes, my love?”

  “Did you tell Gildract to expect us?”

  “Yes.”

  “Thank you, dear.” He took a few steps out and looked around. There was nothing except dead Gotes everywhere. “If the Gotes are coming in through some tunnel, where are they all going? I figured this whole place would be covered up with them.”

  “There is an extensive tunnel system throughout the city,” Constanthos said as she emerged from the stairwell. “They may be going to other exit points.”

  “I wonder,” Frank said as he led the group past the corpses and out the front doors. Looking around and deciding that the coast was clear he said, “Quickly, into the fog. You guys are going to feel more comfortable soon. Breet, I hope you don't mind heat.”

  “I do not mind it,” he answered.

  They made their way into the fog dome and came upon the line of Rotinom backpackers. They were standing at attention, waiting for something to shoot and ignoring Frank's group. “This is a really big dome,” Frank commented.

  “Will our brothers accept us?” Larry asked, sounding concerned.

  “Yes,” Frank replied. “You're about to meet one of the finest Mingrein to ever live.” They walked on for some time until the outline of one of the vessels became visible. The familiar sounds of gunfire could be heard off in the distance beyond the parked ships. “I'm going to run out and see what's going on over there,” Frank said. He looked at Constanthos and said in English, “Please look after these guys, if you don't mind. I'd hate to see them get killed now that they're so close to going home.” She smiled and nodded. Frank took off in a fast jog and was surprised to see Breet running along beside him. “You sure you want to come out here with me?” Frank asked.

  “I feel like I haven't killed enough Gotes,” he replied.

  “I doubt there will be any left. The shooting has stopped.”

  “Frank Ford?” the familiar voice of Gildract called out from a short distance. “We are over here.”

  “Gildract,” Frank said as the group of Mingrein came into view. “It is good to see you well, my friend.”

  Gildract dropped the arm he was gnawing on in order to deliver the salute. “Look at you. You're as big as Trove.”

  “I've been here for a while. I've had to do some adapting. Did you run into a little trouble out here?”

  “It was no trouble at all. Stupid Gotes thought they could sneak up on us.”

  “Everyone knows you can't sneak up on the Mingrein. Allow me to present Breet, the Selfless.” Frank gestured toward the bug, who was standing in confusion at the harsh tones of the Mingrein language.

  Gildract looked him over. “Is this the one that killed so many?”

  “It is. But to know him is to understand his motives. He killed so that his brothers didn't have to.”

  Gildract considered Frank's words for a few moments before turning toward Breet and bowing deeply. “It is an honor,” he said. Breet returned the gesture as they turned back toward the ships. “I wish I could see the piles of corpses our Rotinoms left,” he said with a laugh.

  “I am pretty sure we have video,” Frank replied with a chuckle. They came upon Constanthos and the others. “Here's the Mingrein that were being held. They are raw, but I think they will make fine additions to your great nation.”

  “Yes, indeed,” Gildract replied. “It infuriates me the Gotes didn't see fit to clothe them. And you, without your sash.”

  “Actually, I didn't bring the sash. I thought they may destroy it.”

  “Ah, yes, of course. That is very wise.”

  Frank paused briefly and looked Gildract in the eye. “I thank you for coming here and assisting with this operation. You're not going to want to hear this, but I need you withdraw so that I may proceed with the final stage.”

  Gildract didn't hide his disappointment. “What is the final stage?” he asked.

  “I am claiming Vera for my own.”

  Gildract let out a deafening laugh. Turning to the other Mingrein, he ordered, “Withdraw the Rotinoms!”

  * * *

  “Phil, are you sure this is a good idea?” Robert asked.

  “It's a calculated risk. There were no gunships left in the air and the Mingrein are on our side now.”

  Robert was opening the crate that contained the sash. “Why does he want this smelly thing?”

  “I suppose he wishes to honor the accord. I just wish we could be done with this.” Phildan took the sash out of Robert's hand and headed into the hallway. The ramp was dropping as he reached it. Constanthos winked at him as she marched up, leading the gigantic bug. Frank stood at the bottom of the ramp, smiling. “I would hug you but you look absolutely terrifying,” Phildan joked.

  “It's good to see you too, buddy.” Frank accepted the sash and slipped it over his shoulder. “This won't take long.”

  “I hope it doesn't. Robert isn't too enthused about having to entertain a Breet.”

  “He's cool though. Just give him some syrup so he can finally understand what the excitement is all about.”

  “Robert is already making those preparations. Constanthos and I will be on hand to translate for them.”

  “You guys are awesome. Hey, if this doesn't work out, I want you to know that your friendship has meant everything to me.”

  “I feel the same way, Frank. But it will work out. By the looks of you, nothing sho
rt of a nuke could faze you.”

  “Real funny. I'm not planning on staying this size, you know. Now get clear. The Mingrein move fast.”

  “Okay, I'll see you later.” Phildan turned and walked back up the ramp as it started raising behind him. Within moments, the boat was gone. Frank turned his attention back to the Mingrein, who were just about done loading up.

  “I wish I could stay and help you slaughter these idiots,” Gildract said as he marched forward to say his farewells.

  “I'm not looking at it as a slaughter. I like to think that I will be breaking their resolve. That way they won't fuck with you, and they won't fuck with Earth.”

  “Either way, I want to see video.”

  “I will gladly share. That is, if anything interesting actually happens.”

  “While I do not fully understand just what it is you plan to do, I know to not doubt you.” Gildract delivered the salute. “Until we meet again, my friend.”

  “I thank you for everything you have done here.” Frank returned the salute. “Until next time.” He watched Gildract turn and board his ship. Within moments, the dome dropped and the ship raised. Frank watched as it disappeared into the fog. Pulling the orb from inside his varitherm, he said, “It's just you and me now, babe.”

  “Just like old times, my love.”

  “My sense of time is completely fucked. It does seem like a long time ago. Washington. New York.”

  “It's only been a few months, as you know them,” Gladys answered.

  Frank held the Gotian communication device up and studied it. “This almost seems like, I don't know, a crazy thing to do.”

  “I'm afraid, like Gildract, I do not understand what you have planned.”

  “Oh, I'm just going to give them the chance to surrender.”

  “Frank, I don't think that's going to happen.”

  He flashed a smile at her. “I gotta at least try.” He looked around and made sure the fog was starting to clear before he pressed the button and spoke into the device. “This is Frank. You know me as the Monster, of Earth. I am claiming Vera for myself. The ranking officer of your military needs to meet with me. I am in the field to the south of the casino complex awaiting your unconditional surrender.” He released the button and smiled again.

  “You are right, my love. This is indeed a crazy thing to do. We should just lift you into the boat and be done with this.”

  “Earth would still be in danger. As would Nuun, Rhoshe, Sungara and maybe even Korbaal. And Ottwan says there are still humans on Mertia. I'm trying to wrap my head around that one.”

  “Would you kill them all? Is that even possible?”

  “I'm not trying to kill them all. I just need to break them. Caja can have them back afterward.”

  “Look, the Pyramid is coming into view,” Gladys said. “Phildan reports the soldiers are forming ranks to the Northeast.”

  “Oh, I expect to be completely surrounded soon.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “They tried to sneak up on Gildract.”

  “Fools.”

  “Yup. But I was thinking that there must be some exit points from the tunnels scattered around. No one saw the soldiers enter the fog dome so there must be some, I don't know, holes or something.”

  “Amazing. I am relaying that information to Phildan so that he and Robert may keep watch.”

  “The casino looks like a colossal turd next to the Pyramid.”

  “Agreed. There are more soldiers forming ranks just to the west of the casino.”

  “Interesting. I wish they would hurry up. I'm dying to brush my teeth.”

  “Your teeth are fine, Frank. The implant takes care of them too.”

  “I was wondering if I get a dental plan. Good to know.”

  “Phildan is reporting that Gotes are filing out of hatches to the south.”

  “So nothing is happening directly to the east or west?” Frank asked.

  “Nothing is being reported so far.”

  “Have the guys look out for some type of vessel.”

  “Do you think they would try to torpedo you?”

  “No. They won't torpedo me. We'll let them take one pass before we blow them out of the sky.”

  “Oh, dear. How can you be sure they won't torpedo you?”

  “As stupid as they are, I doubt they would risk collapsing the tunnels.”

  “I see.” Gladys paused for a moment. “They are forming ranks to the south. A steady stream of Gotes is pouring out of the hatches.”

  “I should have asked for a loba.”

  “I'm still trying to figure out why you asked for your sash. And why not your shuriken?”

  “I don't think I would be able to throw them. The weight would be off. And the sash needed a fresh coat of blood.” He flashed that smile again.

  “I know better than to call you crazy. You would just say I wouldn't love you any other way.”

  “You're probably right.”

  “Both groups are advancing from the north. The southern group is staying in place.”

  “They will get within a certain distance and stop. Keep an eye out for that vessel. I need to know which direction to face.”

  “I don't like this one bit. And neither does Denise.”

  “I know and I'm sorry. But I'm just doing my job.”

  * * *

  “This is amazing,” Breet 1751 said, regarding the syrup.

  “Pock 138 agreed,” Phildan replied. “He insisted that Frank meet your mother.”

  “A scout. Did you spend any time with him?”

  “Yes. I consider him a friend. We all enjoy his company, actually. One of Frank's wives is especially fond of him.”

  “I never would have imagined.” Breet looked back to the television screen. “I should be down there with him.”

  “As should I,” Constanthos interjected. “But Frank feels the need to prove a point to the Gotes.”

  “I do not understand,” Breet replied.

  “You know how no one messes with the bugs. And no one messes with the Gotes. Frank is making it so no one messes with humans. Especially him.”

  “I see. You realize he is about to get himself killed, right?”

  * * *

  “And they stopped,” Frank said as the large group of soldiers stopped their advance from the north. “Locate the leaders. They will be wearing the stupid looking armor.”

  “They are in the rear of the northern group,” Gladys replied. “And the gunship is coming from the west.

  “How much time?”

  “Less than a minute.”

  “Well, okay then.” He raised the communication device back to his mouth and pressed the button. “If that gunship fires a single shot, I will kill every one of you.” He released the button and awaited a reply. “They aren't answering. Oh well. No one can say I didn't give them a chance.” Frank turned to the west and there was a noticeable change in his demeanor. When he looked to the orb again, all the color was gone from his eyes. “What kind of numbers are we looking at?”

  “Twelve hundred to the north and six hundred to the south.”

  “I have an idea.”

  * * *

  The gunship began its strafing run. A pair of impressive automatic weapons opened up on Frank's position, ripping huge divots from the ground as the line of fire met him. His shield held, and his focus kept him planted firmly in place. As the ship passed, it promptly exploded and fell to the ground in pieces. The initial cheers of the Gotes stopped abruptly as they watched Frank draw his sword. He looked in both directions, as each line was holding their position around two hundred yards from him to the north and the south. Instead of waiting for them to advance, Frank turned to the north and sprinted toward the soldiers who were quickly trying to prepare themselves. Their gunshots were turned back on them as he drew closer. His anger made him run faster and as they drew their ranks in closer, he finally leaped into them, hardening his shield as he took to the air. The impact of the invisib
le bubble knocked a dozen Gotes off of their feet and Frank went to work, beheading and maiming everything within the reach of his sword. Soldiers were falling over each other as they tried to adjust for his speed and sheer ferocity. They surged at him and he allowed them to get close so that he could repel them away in unison with his shield. He began the slaughter again with the Gotes not really knowing whether to fight or run. Every living thing was being cut down faster than it could react and every time they would attempt to organize a charge against the human, they were repelled.

  Stepping on and over the dead, Frank could see that the southern line was nearly upon him. After two more quick beheadings he signalled to the orb. He was lifted from the center of the mass of Gotes and dropped to the north of the army, right into the midst of the commanding officers. He left them in pieces, saving the Gote in the most ornate armor for last. “You should have surrendered when you had the chance,” he said before removing the head. The soldiers that had been in the rear were fully unprepared as he advanced. He charged through them relentlessly, bringing death to these creatures that had thought themselves invulnerable. Although he never tired, he eventually grew weary of his own viciousness and signaled the orb once again. Explosions rocked the ground beneath him as the landing boat began sending torpedoes into the army from the far end. With no one to lead them, the soldiers began to break and run in every direction. “Fire at will,” Frank said as he pursued and killed as many as he could manage until the torpedoes grew close. Finally, no living Gotes were near so he paused to watch the smoke clear.

  “What now?” Gladys asked as her remote came closer.

  “I seam to have misplaced my radio,” he said as he began searching the nearest corpses for a communications device. “Ah, yes, here we are.” He pulled a radio from a headless Gote and wiped the blood from it onto the uniform. Pressing the button, he said, “Unless the rest of you wish to die as well, Vera is mine.”

  After a few moments, a voice came through the small speaker. “Vera is yours.”